Eelgrass
Diitiidʔaaʔtx̣: taba.x
Latin: Zostera marina
Description: Eelgrass features branching, leafy stems up to 2.5 metres long and ribbon-like leaves with rounded tips. Growing from long rhizomes, its seeds are located in a ribbed bladder that features a distinct beak at the end.
Harvest and Sustainability: Taba.x grows partially or fully submerged in intertidal zones. Because it provides a critical habitat for many marine organisms—including endangered species—harvesting must be done with proper guidance to prevent further degradation of this fragile ecosystem.
Uses: The rhizomes and stems can be eaten fresh or dried into cakes. Additionally, the plant can be brewed into a caffeine-free tea with a flavour profile similar to orange pekoe.